The Renters (Reform) Bill was introduced to parliament in May 2023 and contained measures to amend the Housing Act 1988 to make it an implied term of an assured tenancy (with some exceptions) that a tenant may keep a pet with the landlord’s consent unless the landlord reasonably refuses. The bill did not complete its parliamentary stages before the end of the 2023-24 parliamentary session and did not become law.
In the King’s Speech 2024 the Labour government announced it
will introduce a Renters’ Rights Bill in the 2024-25 parliamentary session. The
bill is expected to give tenants the right to request to keep a pet, which
landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords will be able to request
insurance to cover potential damage from pets if needed.
This Bill was debated at the second reading on Wednesday 9
October 2024 and has now been sent to a Public Bill Committee which will
scrutinise the Bill line by line and is expected to report to the House by
Thursday 28 November 2024.
From the Government guide to the Bill:
Applies to England - Renting with pets
Pets can bring a huge amount of joy to their owners. We are
committed to supporting responsible pet ownership in the private rented sector.
The Renters’ Rights Bill will ensure landlords do not unreasonably withhold
consent when a tenant requests to have a pet in their home, with the tenant
able to challenge unfair decisions.
We know that some landlords are concerned about potential
damage caused by pets. That is why the Renters’ Rights Bill will allow
landlords to require insurance covering pet damage. This will provide landlords
with reassurance that any damage caused by a pet can be taken care of, and that
the responsibility for preventing and resolving damage caused by a pet will
fall to the tenant.
We will publish guidance for landlords and tenants before
the new rules come into effect.
